A/N :

The story follows the mangaverse, but it is slightly AU. I've altered details to serve the plot, like leaving Hohenheim alive for instance, but they are all in my opinion minor. Still I'd thought it would be friendly to warn those of you who prefer sticking strictly to canon that I will be veering off the path a bit. I've tried my hardest to keep the characterization aligned with Arakawa, but what I write is my interpretation, so let us hope that how I see Edward and Alphonse is how you see them as well. Thank you for stopping by. Reviews are loved. ^-^

Disclaimer:

FMA belongs to Hiromu Arakawa *bows*

The white marbled floor muffled the sound of his footsteps so that the echo reverberating from the vaulted ceiling was as soft as a whisper. The air was heavy, ethereal, and filled with mist. His right hand reached upward to his forehead in order to shield the light. Squinting, he could barely make out a flower adorned apse at the end of a long nave. Heavy leather boots scuffled to a halt as he considered the sight ahead. He knew that something bothersome lay in wait, but his brain was at a loss for words to describe it…, the thing. The sensations gripping him however, were very simple to name. The feeling he experienced as he approached caused his breath to catch, his heart to quicken, and his lips to press firmly together forming a countenance of extreme displeasure. He strode forward shakily being at once repulsed and enticed. A young woman appeared, blocking the aisle. Her face was hidden.

"Move" he demanded, annoyed. She ignored the boy, smiling instead. He clenched his teeth before repeating himself.

"MOVE!"

She stood irresolute. Tolerance waning he made to walk by her, but she held out her arm.

"I have to pass you!" he exclaimed, on the verge of panic now, "there are answers up there. " He flung his arms forward in explanation, "I have to see them…or …er…know them" he corrected. Nothing changed. Gloom was taking him now painting his face gray. She was in the way and he suspected he was not strong enough to push her, nor clever enough to sneak by.

He hated uncertainty

In his frustration she opened her mouth to fill the silence with words he had once scoffed at long ago. Her voice was soft and frightening.

"If you believe in God"

"Ed?"

"You can live with hope and gratitude everyday"

"Are you awake? Breakfast is here."

"It's….wonderful"

"Fine by me. I'm more than willing to eat your share."

A small flat pillow connected with his face and Edward Elric jilted awake. Grumbling at Alphonse's labored giggles, he allowed the cheap bit of bedding to slide to the floor. A nasty feeling of desperation lingered causing Ed to frown and rub his eyes vigorously. Unexpectedly, the church of Liore swam hazily is his vision, old memories intertwining with those of his dreams. He sat up fighting confusion and melancholy as his senses attuned to the smell of disinfectant and overcooked scrambled eggs. The nurse rolled a tray toward Ed and his eyes snapped to the beastly little bastard of a drink innocently sitting atop it. All musings concerning the dream evaporated instantly.

"Can't I have juice like I've been asking all DAMN WEEK" he whined angrily, earning an amused smile from the woman. Clearly it was entertaining to torment the adolescent.

"But I brought you chocolate milk today" she offered cheerfully with a ruffle of his hair. He pushed her hand away forcefully. How dare she treat him like a seven year old. Shocked, the nurse recoiled slightly, pulling back her hands and resting them on her hips. Ed expected her to be offended and bustle off to leave him in peace, but this lady wasn't so easily broken. She regained composure and stared down at Ed determined to win the battle of wills. He didn't like being under her appraising gaze and was about to hurl an insult when she beat him to the punch.

"Here I thought you just didn't like the taste of milk so I thoughtfully brought you a flavored one. Well I guess all the other girls were right about you. I just can't understand why you'd be happy being this height, but I guess you're contentment should serve as a lesson to me. "

Ed's mouth hung open for a second as his brain caught up with her words.

"I suppose it is more economical" she teased making a face, "You won't ever have to buy new clothes. You can keep the same ones you've worn since you were ten! TEE HEE"

Edward was furious.

The diatribe of profanity that exploded from him only served to amplify her laughter which could be heard clearly down the corridor even after the brother's door snapped shut.

Alphonse rounded on him, his newly restored body flushed with embarrassment. "Brother, that was ROUD" he admonished wagging a finger, "Would it kill you to have some manners and decency? You're almost an adult for godsakes! Learn some self control."

"Me?" Edward's eyes flashed and he drew in a deep breath preparing his defense.

"What about her? Did you see that lady's face? She enjoys laughing at me and making me miserable-"

"You started it" Alphonse butted in, "Yelling at her for bringing milk, which you need by the way.-"

"Stupid woman!" Ed seethed knocking the offending beverage to the ground with a splash. The room went deathly silent and Al's eyes darted from the mess to his brother's moody face. He suddenly felt very guilty for smashing Ed with a pillow moments ago. Surely that wasn't the catalyst for this foul mood though?

With the patience that Ed lacked, Al merely continued to stare at his sibling until the boy dropped his gaze and pushed away his food.

"Sorry, I'll clean it up," he muttered moving to find a rag. Al, deciding it best to continue his morning routine, slathered butter on a crumpet and took a slow thoughtful bite, savoring the pleasure of eating. He licked his knife pausing to stare at his reflection for a second. His face still startled him momentarily every time he saw it, but today as he pondered his features he felt the immense weight of Ed's sacrifice descend upon them. Something bubbled in the pit of his stomach and for the first time since regaining a digestive system, his desire to eat dissipated. He dropped his utensils and looked over at his brother. Despite his admitted remorse Ed mopped the floor with excess vigor, a clear indication that he was still pissed off.

"Are you going to tell me why you have your grumpy pants on today?" Al asked , frowning. Ed looked up contemplating the scene before him. Al was raising his eyebrows to signify his anticipation for a reply. Just this plain and simple fact that Alphonse could now communicate with Ed through a gesture was enough to move Ed to smile and feel lighter. He sighed.

"I had a weird dream again" he explained. He felt lame for admitting that it bothered him so. The feeling in Alphonse's stomach released. So it wasn't that. He salted his eggs and kept his face impassive, waiting for Ed to continue. Edward tossed the soggy rag in the corner and flopped down on the bed. Steeling himself he elaborated.

" I was in a place like a church. Sort of like Liore….but the feeling was different." He raised his hands to mime, "There was something ahead of me I desperately wanted to know, but couldn't get to. It was…like when I only saw part of the truth in the portal. "

He stopped meditating on whether to divulge the conversation with the unknown girl to Al. He decided to omit it, though he couldn't say why.

Al was quiet for a moment watching Ed drop his arms to the table and push his sausage around on his plate.

"You know brother, we've been on a treacherous journey for a few years now. Along the way we've fallen, gotten side tracked, hoodwinked, chased by monsters and worse, bad willed men. Now that we've reached our goal it may take some time before our minds recognize the accomplishment. It's natural to have a feeling of unreality about it. Give yourself a break and relax. The time it takes for us to heal postpones our returning home….to Winry and Granny. "

Ed's fingers twitched at the mention of their childhood friend. He immediately began shoveling food in his mouth to excuse himself from responding, though Al's knowing smile did not escape the elder's notice. Al began his meal again.

"I had a dream that the three of us were climbing that big oak tree that's in Mr. Tolleson's field, "Alphonse continued, his mouth now filled with food, "Do you remember how we used to race to the top?" he asked fondly.

A vision of skinned knees and shrieking laughter engulfed Ed's mind. Could he hope for such peace, such innocence again?

"If you believe in God, you can live with hope and gratitude everyday"

He gulped his food stunned by the memory. He utterly dismissed it as absurd when he first heard the words, but now as he stared across at his living, breathing brother he had to admit he felt thankful, but to who are what who couldn't say. Al was still reminiscing, babbling happily away but Ed's insides swelled with a deep aching …sadness. He was grateful everyday to wake and see his brother's smiling face and he had hope for his recovery …and hope to see Winry…to see her happy to see him. Was he allowed to have these feelings? Are the only predicated by a belief in God?

"You know we should do it again," Al suggested interrupting Ed's thoughts.

"Huh?"

"Climb the tree! Sneak into Tolleson's yard. Being carefree and stupid sounds amazing!" Al finished off his plate with a flourish of his fork and allowed the cutlery to drop with a clatter, grinning at Ed expectantly.

"Yeah. You're right. It does" Ed forced a smile and blew the hair from his face. He needed to snap out of this. Al was right. He was just being hard on himself.

"Let's go outside and get some exercise" Ed suggested standing and reaching his hand out for Al. The younger still needed assistance to walk, but no word of complaint would ever escape his lips. The pain was welcomed by Alphonse, cherished even. For it was each shaky step, wheezing breath, or aching muscle that testified the reality of his situation. He had his body back, a fact that often caused the pair to smile during the stretches of silence they shared those days in the hospital.

"I'll be able to kick your butt again soon," Al winced as he tripped over a stone in the courtyard and gripped Ed for balance. His brother chuckled.

"I don't doubt that."